NY A00678

Changes the language in Social Services Law § 143-b to reference violations of the warranty of habitability under Real Property Law § 235-b instead of "dangerous, hazardous or detrimental to life or health" conditions.

Requires public welfare officials to withhold rent payments to landlords when violations of the warranty of habitability exist, replacing discretionary language with mandatory language.

Requires the public welfare department to maintain current records of habitability violations in buildings where welfare recipients reside.

Provides welfare recipients with a valid defense in eviction or non-payment proceedings based on existing warranty of habitability violations and protects tenants from eviction or money judgments during periods when such violations were outstanding.

Upon correction of violations, requires the public welfare department to seek a diminution of rent owed based on the duration of the violation and mandates payment of reduced rent when ordered by a rent commission.